Smoking apparatus

ABSTRACT

A smoking apparatus comprising a main body comprising a combustion chamber fluidly coupled to an aperture in a mouthpiece; an outer layer at least partially surrounding the main body; and wherein the outer layer is formed of an at least partially transparent material and the main body is at least partially visible within the outer layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE

The application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.62/890,979 filed 23 Aug. 2019, titled “Smoking Apparatus”; and to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/688,815 filed 19 Nov. 2019, titled“Smoking Apparatus” which are all incorporated by reference herein, intheir entirety and for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following detailed description relates to a smoking apparatus. Moreparticularly, the description relates to a smoking apparatus with a mainbody with an outer layer of an at least partially transparent material.

BACKGROUND

Current silicone smoking apparatuses offer advantages, such asdurability and lightweight characteristics. They may have a limitedvariety of desired visual effects implemented with respect to aparticular shape. There may be perceived disadvantages when comparingsilicone to the traditional pipe material of glass. One of thosedisadvantages may be the limitation of visual effects that can offeruniqueness within a particular shape. Generally, silicone rubber isvisibly differentiated from glass by a solid surface and/or opaque orsemi-opaque appearance, and it may be considered difficult to createvisual depth effects where silicone is used in the manufacture of thesmoking apparatus.

Another potential disadvantage of current silicone smoking apparatusesis the temporary or permanent discoloration and/or irreversibleoxidation or damage to silicone pipes from general use. For example, asurface of silicone rubber may be temporarily or permanently discoloredor damaged when exposed to the tars that may be produced when burningsmoking products such as tobacco or hemp. This damage may be in the formof discoloration, and may be more noticeable when the silicone pipe isclear, transparent or light in color. Solid colored silicone rubber maymask the oxidation, which is why it may be used in smoking apparatuses.Silicone may also become dirty more easily than other materials, suchthat clear or lighter colored silicones may not typically be used fordevices that will be constantly or consistently subjected to handling.

There is a need for a smoking apparatus which includes an enhancedvariety of aesthetic appearances, and/or improved performance related todiscoloration or oxidation.

SUMMARY

In an example, a smoking apparatus includes a main body of a firstmaterial including a combustion chamber fluidly coupled to an apertureof a mouthpiece. The main body has an outer shape. An outer layer of asecond material at least partially surrounds the main body. The secondmaterial has a deformable property. The outer layer is formed of an atleast partially transparent material and the outer shape of the mainbody is at least partially visible through the outer layer.

In an example, the smoking apparatus includes a receptacle positioned atleast partially within the combustion chamber. The receptacle shieldsthe outer layer from contact with combustibles positioned within thereceptacle.

In an example, the main body further includes at least one decorativefeature positioned about an outer surface of the main body. The outerlayer surrounds the at least one decorative feature.

In an example, the at least one decorative feature is placed on theouter surface of the main body. The outer layer surrounds the at leastone decorative feature.

In an example, the at least one decorative feature is formed on theouter surface of the main body. The outer layer surrounds the decorativefeature.

In an example, the main body forms a border about the aperture of themouthpiece, and the outer layer is positioned adjacent the border.

In an example, an outer surface of the outer layer has a shape which issubstantially similar to a shape of an outer surface of the main body.

In an example, an outer surface of the outer layer has a shape thatincludes relief features created by surface features positioned on themain body.

In an example, the outer layer is overmolded onto the main body.

In an example, the second material has an elastically deformableproperty.

In an example, a smoking apparatus includes a main body with an outersurface and fluid pathway extending through the main body. The main bodyhas an outer shape. An outer layer is at least partially molded about atleast a part of the outer surface of the main body. The outer layer isformed of an at least partially transparent material and the outer shapeof the main body is at least partially visible through the outer layer.

In an example, the smoking apparatus includes a proximal end, and theouter layer at the proximal end has a consistent thickness.

In an example, the smoking apparatus includes a proximal end, and theouter layer at the proximal end has a varying thickness.

In an example, the smoking apparatus includes a terminal end, and theouter layer at the terminal end has a consistent thickness.

In an example, the smoking apparatus includes a terminal end, and theouter layer at the terminal end has a varying thickness.

In an example, the smoking apparatus includes a receptacle and thereceptacle is assembled to the main body and outer layer.

In an example, an outer surface of the outer layer has a shape which issubstantially similar to an outer shape of the main body.

In an example, an outer shape of the outer layer is substantiallydissimilar to an outer shape of the main body.

In an example, the main body further includes at least one decorativefeature positioned about the outer surface of the main body. The outerlayer is molded over the decorative feature.

In an example, the outer layer is formed via an insert mold andpositioned about the main body.

In an example, a smoking apparatus includes a main body with an outersurface and fluid pathway extending through the main body. The main bodyhas an outer shape. An outer layer is at least partially molded about atleast a part of the outer surface of the main body. A power source isconfigured to supply power to an electrical component. The outer layeris formed of an at least partially transparent material and the outershape of the main body is at least partially visible through the outerlayer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of the smoking apparatus of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the smoking apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 of the smokingapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a partially exploded view of the cross-sectional view of thesmoking apparatus of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a smoking apparatus in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view along line 6-6 of the smokingapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view along line 7-7 of the smokingapparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 14 shows a partially exploded view of the smoking apparatus of FIG.13.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 16 shows a partially exploded view of the smoking apparatus of FIG.15.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 18 shows a partially exploded view of the smoking apparatus of FIG.17.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 21 shows a partially exploded view of the smoking apparatus of FIG.20.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view along line 23-23 of the smokingapparatus of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of a smoking apparatus inaccordance with an example.

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus in accordancewith an example.

FIG. 26 shows a cross-sectional view along line 24-24 of the smokingapparatus of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 shows a simplified block diagram of the smoking apparatus inaccordance with an example.

FIG. 28 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of a smoking apparatus inaccordance with an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description generally relates to a smoking apparatus witha main body with a fluid pathway extending there through, the main bodyat least partially covered with an outer layer of an at least partiallytransparent, flexible, and/or resilient material. The application of aflexible material to a main pipe body may offer many advantages, such asdurability, weight, and ease of varying design aesthetics.

The apparatus of the current disclosure depicts a smoking apparatus witha main body at least partially covered by an outer layer or body. Insome examples, the smoking apparatus may include a layer of an at leastpartially transparent silicone rubber formed over a main body to createa single, non-separable part. In some examples, a smoking apparatus hasa main body with a visual effect that is visibly depicted through anouter layer. In some examples, the apparatus may be formed using atechnique commonly known as over-molding or insert-molding. In someexamples, the main body may include a lumen or gas pathway extendingthrough it, with an outer layer formed of an at least partiallytransparent silicone rubber. The silicone rubber outer layer or body ofthe disclosed apparatus and/or method may provide an advantage incontrast to smoking apparatuses made of other materials, such as glass,because it is able to withstand somewhat rough handling, such as thatwhen the apparatus may be stored, used and/or transported.

In some examples, the outer layer may appear to be clear or at leastpartially transparent, but the outer layer may include attributes ofdurable silicone rubber, such as at least one of being clear, durable,deformable or resilient. Deformation or resiliency may be interpreted asthe elastic deformation of a solid that is reversible, path-independent(such as deformation being caused by internal or external loading thatincludes extension, compression, bending and twisting) and fully or atleast partially recovered on unloading. For example, if a user presses afinger tip into the outer layer, the outer layer may deflect as theforce is applied. Once the force from the finger tip is removed, theouter layer may rebound to appear unchanged. In some examples, thematerial may deform and rebound to show a remnant effect, such as adepression, from the force. In some examples, the outer layer iselastically, resiliently and/or reversibly deformable, such that it iscapable of absorbing internal or external loading or forces. Thedeformation caused by the loading forces may not cause permanentdeformation or damage, or may in some instances result in some remainingdeformation. In some examples, the outer layer may be elasticallydeformed upon the application of an external load or force. Upon theremoval or unloading of the external load or force, the outer layer atleast partially or entirely returns or reverts to its original shapeand/or size, or surface contour.

In some examples, the outer layer may be formed of a material having aShore A scale durometer in the range 0-100, in some examples having anextra soft Shore A durometer inclusive of the range of 0-10, a softShore A durometer inclusive of the range of 10-35, a medium-soft Shore Adurometer inclusive of the range of 35-60, a medium hard Shore Adurometer inclusive of the range of 60-80, a hard Shore A durometerinclusive of the range of 80-100, or a Shore A durometer value inmultiple ranges.

In some examples, the outer layer may be formed of a material having aShore 00 scale durometer in the range 0-100, in some examples having anextra soft Shore 00 durometer inclusive of the range of 0-50, a softShore 00 durometer inclusive of the range of 50-70, a medium-soft Shore00 durometer inclusive of the range of 75-90, a medium hard Shore 00durometer inclusive of the range of 90-100, or a Shore 00 durometervalue in multiple ranges.

In some examples, the outer layer may be formed of a material having aShore D scale durometer in the range 0-100, in some examples having anmedium hard Shore D durometer inclusive of the range of 0-30, a hardShore D durometer inclusive of the range of 30-60, an extra hard Shore Ddurometer inclusive of the range of 60-100, or a Shore D durometer valuein multiple ranges.

In some examples, the main body, if made of a moldable material, mayhave similar properties to the outer layer. In some examples, the mainbody may be rigid, flexible, durable, deformable, or resilient. In someexamples, the main body may be formed of a material with a Shore 00,Shore A, or Shore D scale durometer.

In some examples, the apparatus is a smoking apparatus constructed of abase part or main body that may extend to all openings and surfaces thatmay come in contact with the tars or contamination from a combustedsmoking product, or heat from a type of ignition source. In exampleswhere the main body extends to an outlet opening and surfaces that maycome in contact with the contaminants described above, the main body mayhelp to protect the outer layer from heat from a type of ignitionsource, provides oxidation resistance, and effectively prevent or reducethe oxidation and/or discoloration from contaminants. In some examples,a smoking apparatus includes a main body including a receptacle or bowlpositioned at an inlet to the main body, the bowl also covering theopening in the outer layer and surrounding surface from the same heat,oxidation, contaminants and/or discoloration. In some examples, theapparatus is constructed to help add at least one visual depth effect.

Additionally, the present disclosure includes a method of utilizing amanufacturing technique in one example of forming the disclosed smokingapparatus.

FIGS. 1-4B and 6-7 are various views of an example of a smokingapparatus. In some examples, the smoking apparatus may include aproximal end or enlarged end or enlarged portion 101 coupled with a stem114 extending away from the enlarged end. On the other end of the stem,opposite the proximal end or enlarged end 101, is the terminal end 103.A fluid pathway is formed through the smoking apparatus, from theproximal end to the terminal end. In some examples, and with referenceto FIGS. 1 and 2, the smoking apparatus 100 includes a main body 102 andan outer layer 104, and the fluid pathway extends through the main body.The outer layer 104 may be a layer that at least partially coversvarious portions or segments of the main body 102, and as shown here,may encapsulate various portions or segments, or substantially theentirety, of the main body 102. In some examples, the outer layer 104 isformed of an at least partially transparent material, in which case theshape, size, and color of the main body 102, and any other features ifpresent, may be visible through the at least partially transparent outerlayer 104.

In some examples, the main body 102 is formed using a solid-coloredmaterial, such as silicone rubber. Examples of silicone rubber for usein some example embodiments include compression molded, platinum curedsilicone. In some examples, the main body may or may be formed withcured pigments. In some examples, the outer layer, which may form anouter body, may have a generally consistent thickness about the mainbody. In some examples, different portions of the outer layer may have athickness that varies. In some examples, an outer surface 181 of theouter layer may have the same, similar, or different shape from an outersurface 183 or outer shape of the inner layer.

In some examples, the outer layer is formed so that the main body isvisible through the outer layer. In some examples, the outer layer isformed of an at least partially transparent material and the main bodyis at least partially visible within the outer layer. Examples of an atleast partially transparent material include 100% optically clear liquidsilicone rubber, clouded clear compression molded silicone rubber,hardened silicone, and heat-cured rubber (HCR) silicone.

In some examples, the main body of a smoking apparatus, such as thesmoking apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1-4B and 6-7, may include a first orenlarged portion 101 or end coupled with a stem 114 extending away fromthe enlarged end. On the other end of the stem, opposite the proximalend or enlarged end 101, is the terminal end 103.

FIGS. 4A-4B and 6-7 includes various cross sectional views of thesmoking apparatus 100. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the smokingapparatus 100 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4B is a partiallyexploded view of FIG. 4A. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the enlarged end 101includes a combustion chamber 106.

The combustion chamber 106 includes an inlet and may have an upperregion 197 and a lower region 195. The upper region 197 may include anignition region 112 formed at least partially by a recess 132 andreceptacle 108. The recess 132 includes a large aperture 118 formedthrough the main body 102 and the outer layer 104. A smoking product orcombustibles 99 may be placed at least partially within the ignitionregion 112.

As shown in FIG. 7, the lower region 195 of the combustion chamber 106may also include a vent aperture 128 formed in a sidewall 130 of theenlarged end 101. The vent aperture 128 may be fluidly connected to alower region 195 of the combustion chamber via a lumen 129.

As shown in FIG. 3, the stem 114 may include a lumen 127 that endsthrough the stem 114, fluidly connecting the combustion chamber with anaperture 126 of the terminal end 103. In some examples, the terminal end103 is a mouthpiece 110. The stem and terminal end may be formed at anangle with the combustion chamber. In some examples, the angle may besubstantially perpendicular, substantially 90 degrees, or between 45 and135 degrees.

In some examples the outer layer 104 and main body 102 may includefeatures to help assemble various components together, such as at T4 inFIG. 4A. As shown in FIG. 4B, the combustion chamber's recess 132includes a first groove 182 and flange 180 formed in the outer layer104, and a second groove 184 formed in the main body 102. The firstgroove 182, flange 180, and second groove 184 may help to form theaperture 118. In some examples, the shape of the first groove 182,flange 180 and second groove 184 may be similar or different. Theoverall shape of the aperture 118 may be circular, oval, square, oblongshaped, etc. In this example, the flange 180 of the combustion chamberis formed in the outer layer 104, and the second groove 184 thatreceives the flange 111 of the receptacle 108 is formed in the main body102.

The shape of the aperture 118 may be designed to receive the receptacle108 for holding a smoking product. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in someexamples, the ignition region 112 is formed at least partially by thereceptacle 108. The receptacle 108 may be positioned in the upper region197 of the combustion chamber 106. The receptacle 108 may be received inthe large aperture 118, and the groove 182 and flange 180 of thecombustion chamber's recess 132 may help to position the receptacle withthe main body 102 and outer layer 104. In some examples, the receptacledoes not engage with grooves or flanges of the combustion chamber of themain body and outer layer, and in some instances, may be press-fit intoplace.

As shown in FIG. 4B, in some examples, the receptacle 108 may be atapered bowl, funnel, and/or shaped container with an aperture 191positioned at a bottom end 189. The receptacle 108 may include a lip 109at its upper edge, and a flange 111 extending around an outer surface ofthe receptacle 108 and spaced below the lip 109 to form a groove 113.The combustion chamber's flange 180 may be received into thereceptacle's groove 113 formed between the lip 109 and flange 111 toremovably secure the receptacle within the aperture 118 of the recess132 of the combustion chamber. The receptacle lip 109 may be designed toseat within the recess's first groove 182 and against the flange 180.The receptacle flange 111 may be designed to seat within the secondgroove 184 of the combustion chamber 106. The position of the lip 109 ofthe receptacle 108 may extend partially over the outer layer 104, asshown in FIG. 4A. In some examples, the grooves and flanges that formthe recess 132 may be different on other product structures. In someexamples, the features of the receptacle such as the lip, flange andgroove, may be different on other product structures. In some examples,the receptacle does not include flanges or lips and may take the form ofa funnel, bowl, or cylindrical container with at least two openings.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the outer layer 104 surrounds various portions ofthe main body 102. In some examples, the thickness of the outer layer104 at different locations may be similar, such as about the stem 114 atT1 and T7. In some examples, the thickness may vary, such as decreasingin dimension from thickness T1 to T2 to T3 at the mouthpiece 110 formedin the terminal end 103. In some examples, the thickness may be zero atsome locations if desired.

As shown in FIG. 4A, in some examples, the thickness of the outer layer104 may be such that the outer layer has a generally similar shape tothat of the main body. For example, the thickness of T8 may be somewhatconstant around a portion of the enlarged end 101, so that the shape ofthe outer surface 181 of the outer layer 104 is similar to the shape ofthe outer surface 183 of the main body 102 at that specific location orsegment.

In some examples, the thickness may vary, such as at T5, where the shapeof the outer layer is dissimilar and includes different features as thatof the shape of the main body 102. For example, the outer layer 104 hasa flat face 138 whereas the corresponding main body portion is rounded.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the smoking apparatus 100 takenalong line 6-6 of FIG. 1, showing the upper region 197 and lower region195 of the combustion chamber. Similar to that shown in FIG. 4A, thethickness of the outer layer T11 and T10 may be generally similar andconsistent in some examples, so that the shape of the main body 102 isreplicated by the outer surface 181 of the outer layer 104 near or aboutenlarged end 101. As shown by thickness T19, the outer layer thicknessmay vary and be dissimilar to the corresponding part of the main bodythat the outer layer is positioned about.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the smoking apparatus 100 takenalong line 7-7 of FIG. 2, with a view of the lumen 127 and lower region195 of the combustion chamber. The thicknesses T12 and T13 are largerthan thicknesses T14 and T15, such that the hourglass exaggerated shapeof the main body at those locations about the stem 114 is lessexaggerated in the outer layer 104. The varied thickness makes the outerlayer 104 appear bulkier or more robust than the main body 102 at thestem 114. The thicknesses T16 and T17 vary to enhance or furtherexaggerate the shape of the outer layer near the mouthpiece 110 formedin the terminal end 103.

As shown in FIG. 4A, a smoking product 99 may be positioned within theignition region 112 of the smoking apparatus. In use, the smokingproduct 99 is ignited to form a gaseous combusted product. The combustedproduct in the ignition region may be drawn into the lower region 195 ofthe combustion chamber. The drawn combusted product may then be drawnthrough the lumen 127 of the stem 114 and exit the apparatus at theaperture 126 formed at the mouthpiece in the terminal end 103.

FIG. 5 is an example of a smoking apparatus 1200 with the main body 1202having an inlet in the enlarged end 1201 configured to receive a smokingproduct 99. The main body 1202 may include a combustion chamber 1206with an ignition region 1212 formed in either or both of the upperregion 1297 or lower region 1295. In some examples, the shape of theaperture 1218 in the enlarged end 1201 is designed to allow a smokingproduct to be inserted into the ignition region 1212 of the combustionchamber 1206 in the main body. In some examples, the main body may beformed of metal or glass and the smoking product may be ignited orcombusted in the ignition region 1212.

FIGS. 8-12 show perspective views of examples of a smoking apparatuswith features that may be similar to those of the smoking apparatus 100.For example, in FIG. 8, the smoking apparatus 200 includes featuressimilar to the previously described smoking apparatus 100, with a mainbody 202 and an outer layer 204. Unlike the generally smooth outersurface of the main body 102 of FIGS. 1-6, the main body 202 of FIG. 8includes a decorative feature, such as ridge 250, positioned about thebody 202 in a pattern or design. In some examples, the main body mayinclude multiple integrally formed raised or indented features, such asdesign elements, surface features (e.g., ridges or valleys) that extendaround at least portions of the outer surface of the main body.

The decorative features may be positioned about various portions of themain body, such as the proximal end 201, stem 214, or terminal end 203of combinations thereof. “Positioned about” may be interpreted asincluding integrally formed features and/or separately formed featuresattached to or placed on the outer surface of the main body. The surfacefeatures may be formed integrally with the main body 202, oralternatively, maybe formed separately from the main body and secured tothe main body prior to the application of the outer layer over the mainbody. In some examples, a pattern formed on the outer surface of themain body may be replicated in the outer surface of the outer layer.

For instance, the outer layer 204 may have a shape that is generally orsubstantially similar to or the same as the outer shape of the mainbody, or be similar to or the same as features formed on the main body202. In some examples, the outer surface of the outer layer has a shapethat includes relief features created by surface features positioned onthe main body. In some examples, the outer layer 204 may have agenerally constant thickness, thereby reflecting or including relieffeatures, such as a ridge similar to that of a ridge 250 or other raisedor indented features, creating a tactically detectable feature inaddition to a generally smooth outer surface on the outer layer. In someexamples, the outer layer 204 may include inconsistent thickness, sothat there is no relief or that the relief is minimized, and the raisedor indented features formed on the outer surface of the main body arenot tactilely detectable on the outer surface of the outer layer 204,but still optically visible through the outer layer.

As shown in FIG. 8, the patterns or designs used may include a canepattern, uniform, abstract, singular or repeating patterns, lines,shapes, or other characteristics, to further create a visual effect. Theridge 250 may be formed integrally with the main body 202, oralternatively, may be formed separately from the main body and securedto the main body or the outer surface 283 of the main body prior to theapplication of the outer layer 204 over the main body 202. The outersurface 281 of the outer layer 204 may include relief that reflects thatshape of the underlying ridge or it may be smooth as shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus 300 with featuresthat may be similar to those in previously disclosed examples, with themain body 302 encapsulated at least in part by the outer layer 304. Thesmoking apparatus 300 includes at least one decorative feature, such asa component or decorative element 352 that is a made separately from themain body 302 and applied, attached, and/or secured to the main bodybefore the outer layer is formed. The decorative features may be securedto the main body, such as to the outer surface 383 of the main body tobe held in place during the application of the outer layer, about avariety of locations on the outer surface 383 of the main body,including around the proximal end 301, stem 314, or terminal end 303.The outer layer 304 is formed over the main body 302. Examples ofseparable decorative features include but are not limited to any one ora combination of precious and non-precious gems, stones, shells,glitter, beads, stickers, charms, buttons, cloth, fiber, memorabilia,pendants, jewels, logos, natural, human-made, organic, non-organicelements, compounds, materials, electrical components, light emittingdiode (LED), lights, or LED displays.

As shown in FIG. 9, the outer surface 381 of the outer layer 304 may besmooth or may have relief formed by the contours of the surface featurespositioned on or formed on the main body. In some examples, the outerlayer 304 may be formed in order to replicate the outline of thedecorative features in the outer surface of the outer layer. This may bedone by using an outer layer having a generally constant thickness thatallows the decorative element 352 to be tactilely and optically visiblewhen grasping the outer surface 383 of the smoking apparatus. In otherexamples, the outer surface 383 of the outer layer 304 is maintained asa smooth surface without the replication of the decorative features. Theouter layer may be formed with a variable thickness so that theseparable decorative features are not tactilely detectable but stilloptically detectable or visible. In some examples, the outer surface 383may include a combination of smooth surface with relief.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus that may includesimilar features as those of previously disclosed examples, with themain body 402 at least partially encapsulated by the outer layer 404.The smoking apparatus 400 may include a decorative feature, such as araised or indented feature 450 similar to the ridge 250 in FIG. 8, andpositioned about the proximal end, stem, terminal end, or combinationsthereof on an outer surface 483 of the main body 402. In some examples,the raised or indented feature 450 may be in the form of text or asymbol that is formed integral with the main body 402. In some examples,the outer layer 404 may be formed with a generally constant thicknessthat allows the feature 450 to be tactilely and optically detectablewhen holding the smoking apparatus. In other examples, the outer layermay be formed with a variable thickness so that the feature 450 is nottactilely detectable but may still be optically detectable. In someexamples, the top edges of the feature 450 may be flush, above, or justbelow the outer surface 481 of the outer layer.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus 500 that may besimilar to previously disclosed examples, with the main body 502 atleast partially encapsulated or covered by the outer layer 504. In someexamples, the main body may be formed from a material such as wood,metal, fiber, cloth, stone, ceramic, silicone, plastic or combinationsthereof. In some examples, the features or visible aspects of thematerial are exposed on the outer layer of the main body. The smokingapparatus 500 may also include a decorative feature, such as a patternor graphic 554, such as a wood grain or marble, that is implemented ontothe outer surface 583 of the main body 502 or is shown on the outersurface of the main body. In some examples, the use of the clear outerlayer 504 may also allow for a delicate or non-robust surface coating tobe used to form the pattern 554, as the outer layer will act as aprotective barrier against aesthetic damage or flaking, while enablingthe pattern to be observed or optically detectable.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus 600 that mayinclude features similar to previously disclosed smoking apparatusexamples with a main body 602 with an outer layer 604 that may bepositioned over, molded, or overmolded onto at least a portion of themain body. As shown in FIG. 12, the outer surface 681 of the outer layer604 has an overall shape that is dissimilar to the overall shape of themain body 602, in part or in total as here. For example, the proximalend 601 of the main body 602 is generally spherical, while thesurrounding outer layer 604 at that portion is cube- or block-like.Similarly, the slender stem section 614 and terminal end 603 are notreflected in the shape of the block-like outer layer 604. The smokingapparatus 600 allows both the shape of the outer layer 604 and the mainbody 602 to be optically detected, while only the dissimilar shape ofthe outer layer is tactilely detectable.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus 700 inaccordance with an example. FIG. 14 shows a partially exploded view ofthe smoking apparatus 700. The smoking apparatus 700 may includefeatures similar to previously disclosed smoking apparatus examples,with a main body 702 at least partially coated or covered with an outerlayer 704, and a receptacle or bowl 708. In this example, the smokingapparatus 700 may be separable into subcomponent parts and bereassembled for use when desired. The separable nature of the smokingapparatus may allow it to be more easily transported, stored, and/orcleaned. For example, the smoking apparatus may be disassembled so thatthe enlarged end 101 is in a first piece 756, and the stem 714 andengagement end or terminal end 703 are in the a second piece 758.

In the example of FIGS. 13 and 14, the second piece 758 may formapertures 726 and 779 on opposite ends, with a lumen 727 extendingbetween the apertures. A male end 760 may be formed by a collar 781 thatextends from around the aperture 779 formed on the end 777. The collar781 extends axially from the end 777 and is continuous from around theaperture 779. The first piece 756 may include a female end 761 formed bya receiving aperture 775. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 14, theouter layer 704 may not extend about the male end 760 of the secondpiece 758, such that the male end is formed as part of the main body702.

In some examples, the male end 760 forms a press fit with female end761. In some examples, the apparatus 700 includes alignment features forthe first piece 756 and second piece 758. The male end may include aridge or keyed feature that may engage with a groove or interlockingstructure of the female end 761. For example, the collar 781 may bekeyed or shaped, with the receiving aperture 775 forming a complementarykeyway or shape so that the first piece 756 and second piece 758 may beassembled in a specific orientation or so that a specific surfacefeature may be aligned or visible when the smoking apparatus is used.

In some examples, the male end 760 may be threaded and be threadablyengaged with grooved or threaded female end 761.

To assemble the pipe 700 for use, the male end 760 may be inserted intothe first piece 756 to create the smoking apparatus assembly 700. Asshown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the smoking apparatus 700 may be separatedinto two pieces at the juncture between the bulbous proximal end and thestem. The smoking apparatus may be separable in other portions of thestructure, such as mid-way along the stem. In some examples, the smokingapparatus may be separable into more than 2 pieces.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus 800 inaccordance with one example. FIG. 16 shows a partially exploded view ofthe smoking apparatus 800 of FIG. 15. The smoking apparatus 800 mayinclude features similar to previously described smoking apparatusexamples with a main body 802 with an outer layer 804 positioned over,molded over, or over molded onto at least a portion of the main body,and a receptacle 808. The use and operation of the smoking apparatus 800may be similar to previously described smoking apparatuses, while theoverall shape of the main body 802 and outer layer 804 may be differentthan previously discussed examples. The smoking apparatus 800 allowsboth the shape of the outer layer 804 and the main body 802 to beoptically detected, while only the shape of the outer layer 804 istactilely detectable.

The smoking apparatus 800 may include a first piece 856 and a secondpiece 858. Both the first piece 856 and second piece 858 may becylindrically shaped, but with different diameters and lengths. Similarto the smoking apparatus 700, the second piece 858 may include a maleend 860 formed as part of the main body 802, and the outer layer 804does not extend about the main body 802 at the male end 860. The maleend 860 may be inserted into a female end 861 formed in the first piece856 to assemble the pipe. In some examples, the engagement of the maleend 860 and female end 861 forms a press fit with the first piece. Inother examples, the male end may include a ridge, thread, and/or keythat may engage with a groove, threaded or interlocking structure of thefemale end 861 of the first piece. In some examples, the first piece 856may include a male end and the second piece 858 may include a femaleend.

As shown in FIG. 16, the first piece 856 of the smoking apparatus 800may include a combustion chamber 806, with an upper surface 882 formedby both the outer layer 804 and the main body 802. An aperture 818 maybe formed by the main body 802 at the upper surface, the apertureforming an opening to the combustion chamber.

The smoking apparatus 800 may also include the receptacle 808. Thereceptacle 808 includes a lip 809 and body 811 with an aperture locatedat the bottom of the body 811. The receptacle may form an ignitionregion 812, and a smoking product may be positioned within thereceptacle. The receptacle may be positioned within an upper region ofthe combustion chamber, with the lip 809 in an abutment arrangementabout the upper surface 882 of the smoking apparatus. The body 811 ofthe receptacle may contact or be adjacent to the main body 802 formingthe combustion chamber.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus 900 inaccordance with an example. FIG. 18 shows a partially exploded view ofthe smoking apparatus of FIG. 17. The smoking apparatus 900 includes aproximal end 901, a stem 914, and a terminal end 903. The smokingapparatus includes a main body 902 and an outer layer 904 and areceptacle 908. The proximal end includes a combustion chamber 906. Inthe smoking apparatus 900, the stem and terminal end are linearlydisposed with the combustion chamber. The receptacle 908 may form atleast part of the combustion chamber 906. Similar to previouslydescribed smoking apparatuses, the outer layer 904 is generally shapedsimilar to the main body 902, but may have a thickness that varies inportions. The smoking apparatus 900 allows both the shape of the outerlayer 904 and the main body 902 to be optically detected, while only theshape of the outer layer 904 is tactilely detectable. In use, combustedsmoke may be drawn through the smoking apparatus from the combustionchamber in the proximal end, through the stem, and exit at a mouthpieceat the terminal end.

The proximal end 901 of the smoking apparatus may include a recess 932formed by the outer layer 904 and the main body 902. The outer layer mayextend past the main body 902, forming a collar 960 in which thereceptacle may be partially positioned within. Similar to the receptacle808 of FIGS. 14 and 15, the receptacle 908 may include a lip 909 andbody 911 with an aperture located at the bottom of the body 911. Whenassembled, the lip 909 may be positioned to abut the end 901 formed byouter layer 804, and may serve to protect that area of the outer layer.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus 1000 similar tothe smoking apparatus 900, except that the combustion chamber 1006 isnot formed at least partially using a separable receptacle.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus 1100 inaccordance with one example. FIG. 21 shows a partially exploded view ofthe smoking apparatus 1100 of FIG. 20. The smoking apparatus 1100 mayinclude features similar to previously disclosed smoking apparatusexamples, with a proximal end 1101, stem 1114, and terminal end 1103.The apparatus may also include a stand 1115 formed adjacent the stem1114 to help stabilize the smoking apparatus such that it could berested on a table or surface. The apparatus 1100 includes a main body1102 at least partially surrounded with an outer layer 1104, and areceptacle 1108. The receptacle 1108 may be positioned within acombustion chamber 1106. The combustion chamber is fluidly coupled witha lumen extending through the stem with an outlet in the terminal end.

The smoking apparatus 1100 may include a first piece 1156, including thecombustion chamber 1106, and a second piece 1158, including the stem1114 and terminal end 1103. The first piece 1156 may include a male end1160 configured to engage with a female end 1161 formed in the secondpiece 1158. In some examples, the female end 1161 may be formed by onlythe outer layer 1104, and the male end is formed as part of the mainbody.

To use, the male end 1160 of the first piece 1156 may be inserted atleast partially within the female end 1161 of the second piece 1158, andthe receptacle 1108 may then be inserted into or coupled with thecombustion chamber 1106 of the first piece 1156. The first piece 1156may engage with the female end 1161 via a press or compression fit, ormay be threaded and threadably engage with the female end 1161. In someexamples, the stem 1114 may be filled with or include a mixture of gasand liquid, such as water or water mixed with other liquids.

The smoking apparatus 1100 may also include a decorative feature 1150,such as raised or indented features which may be in the form of a ridge,groove, raised or engraved text or a symbol that is formed integral withthe main body 1102 or that may be positioned with or attached to themain body 1102 prior to the outer layer 1104 being applied.

In some examples, the described smoking apparatuses, such as smokingapparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700,800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200,1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, may be formed using an insert molding orovermolding process. A method for forming a smoking apparatus mayinclude forming a main body 102 with a conduit or lumen 127 extendingthrough the main body 102 between a combustion chamber 106 and amouthpiece 110, and positioning, molding, or overmolding a secondmaterial onto or about at least a portion of the main body 102 whereinthe second material forms an outer layer 104.

In some examples, overmolding is an injection molding process thatallows an additional layer of resin to be added to an existing moldedpart to provide a combination of characteristics that a single materialmay not provide. In some examples, an overmolding process may be used toadd a soft, functional, “hand-friendly” layer of rubber-like material,such as a thermoplastic elastomer over the main body, such as when isformed of a hard or a soft substrate. An example of a hard substrate isceramic, glass, wood or metal and an example of a soft substrate is arubber-like material, thermoplastic elastomer, lower-density foam,cloth, or rope. In some examples, overmolding may be used to change orenhance the appearance of a part by overmolding material of a differentcolor or finish to it.

Like overmolding, insert molding injects a resin over a first material,but instead of a plastic substrate, the first material may typically bemetal and the injected resin is typically a rigid plastic. In someexamples, metal electrical components or custom-machined metal parts maybe embedded in plastic using an insert molding process. Similarly,threaded inserts in the smoking apparatus can be molded into plasticparts for stronger, more durable assembly of plastic components, forexample a separable, decorative feature that may assembled to andseparated from the smoking apparatus. In some examples, insert moldingmay be an alternative to inserting metal parts by either heat staking orultrasonic welding, processes by which a molded plastic part is locallymelted to allow the insertion of a metal part. In some examples, insertmolding may be more controllable and allow for better or improvedencapsulation than the other methods. Molded inserts may also eliminatethe need for a secondary insert installation process.

The main body 102 may be formed of a variety of materials, including anyone or a combination of silicone rubber, glass, wood, metal, fiber,plastic, cloth, ceramic, quartz, and/or stone. The main body 102 isformed to include the gas pathway, or a hollow lumen 127 that extendsbetween the combustion chamber 106 and the mouthpiece 110 formed in theterminal end 103 of the smoking apparatus 100. Once the main body 102 isformed, it may be positioned within an injection molding tool. The toolmay be designed to create a shaped outer layer 104 or outer body thatmay be similar to or different than the shape of the main body. In someexamples, decorative features, such as ridge 250 of FIG. 8, decorativeelements 352 of FIG. 9, raised or indented feature 450 of FIG. 10, maybe formed in the outer surface 183 of the main body 102 or coupled tothe outer surface 183 of the main body 102 prior to being inserted intothe tool. Once the main body 102 is positioned within the tool, thematerial forming the outer layer 104, such as a 100% optically clearsilicone rubber, may be injected into the tool. The injected materialsurrounds the main body 102 based upon the design of the tool. Once thematerial forming the outer layer 104 has cured or solidified, the mainbody 102 and outer layer 104, and any decorative features included,become joined together to form a single part.

In some examples, the smoking apparatuses disclosed herein, such assmoking apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700,800, 900, 1000,1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, may include features that assist inreducing the effects of oxidation. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B and 6-7,the main body 102 may extend to most or all openings and surfaces thatmay come in contact with airborne tars, contaminants, or heat from atype of ignition source when the smoking apparatus is used and/or when aproduct is combusted adjacent to or within the combustion chamber. Theouter layer 104 surrounds the remaining portions of the main body 102.In some examples, the exposure of a typical smoking apparatus to heat oran ignition source at or near the combustion chamber 106 maycontaminate, damage, or aesthetically mark the smoking apparatus.Similarly, the combusted gaseous product or smoke, which may include tarand other contaminants, may also temporarily or permanently contaminateor damage exposed surfaces at or around the apertures formed in theexterior of a typical smoking apparatus, such as the mouthpiece aperture126 and vent aperture 128.

To help avoid this potential damage, the main body 102 may define themouthpiece aperture 126, vent aperture 128, and at least a portion ofthe combustion chamber 106. As shown in FIG. 4A, the main body 102includes a sidewall thickness SW1 and SW2 around the mouthpiece aperture126 of the main body 102 at the terminal end 103. The thicknesses SW1,SW2 of the main body form a border about the aperture 126, and the outerlayer 104 is positioned adjacent to the border. In this example, themain body 102 forms a rim 125 around the aperture 126, which has a widthof approximately SW1 and SW2 (depending which portion is measured). Theouter layer 104 is formed around the periphery of the sidewall thicknessSW1 and SW2 about aperture 126 in the main body 102. In this manner, theouter layer 104 is spaced away from the aperture 126 to reduce theeffect of the combusted product as it passes through the aperture 126.This configuration may help to allow the combusted product drawn throughthe smoking apparatus to exit at the aperture 126 without contacting thesurrounding over layer. The rim may have an annular shape having aconstant width dimension (SW1=SW2), or a varying width dimension, or therim may have a different shape. The rim may be continuous around theaperture 126, or discontinuous.

Similar, as shown in FIG. 7, the proximal end 101 includes a sidewallthickness SW3 and SW4 formed by the main body 102 around the ventaperture 128, forming a border around the aperture 128. In this example,the main body 102 forms a rim 119 around the aperture 128, which has awidth of approximately SW3 and SW4 (depending which portion ismeasured). The outer layer 104 is formed around the border, at adistance of SW3 and SW4, of the aperture 128 in the main body 102. Inthis manner, the outer layer 104 is spaced away from the aperture 128 toreduce the effect of the combusted product as it passes through theaperture 128. In use, a user could choose to cover the vent aperture 128or leave the vent aperture uncovered when drawing combusted productthrough the combustion chamber 106. This configuration may help toshield the surrounding outer layer 104 from contact with the potentialcombusted product that may flow through lumen 129 and exit the apparatusvia vent aperture 128. These sidewall thickness SW3 and SW4 may helpensure that combusted gaseous product or smoke only contact or beexposed to the main body 102. The rim 119 may have an annular shapehaving a constant width dimension (SW3=SW4), or a varying widthdimension, or the rim 119 may have a different shape. The rim 119 may becontinuous around the aperture 128, or discontinuous. The rim structurearound an aperture, such as rim 125 and/or rim 119, is optional and maynot be implemented or present on a product configuration.

Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 6, in some examples, the receptacle108 includes a rim or lip 109 that overlaps a portion of the recess 132formed by the outer layer 104. The lip 109 of the receptacle may furtherprotect the outer layer 104 at that location from damage from anignition source and/or the combustion of the smoking product positionedin the ignition region of the combustion chamber. Similarly, theposition of the receptacle 808 in FIGS. 15 and 16, and receptacle 908 ofFIGS. 17 and 18, may also help to protect the outer layers 804, 904 ofthe proximal ends 801, 901 from this type of damage. In these examples,the position of the receptacle 108 when assembled to the proximal end101 may help shield the outer layer 104 at the proximal end from damagefrom heat of a product combusted in the receptacle 108, as well as helpshield the outer layer 104 from contact with combusted product as it isdrawn through the smoking apparatus 100. Furthermore, with regard toFIGS. 15 and 16, the male end 860 formed as part of the main body 802may also help to shield the outer layer 804 near the junction of thefirst piece 856 and the second piece 858 from contact with the smoke orcombusted product as it is drawn from the combustion chamber and throughthe stem 814 to the terminal end 803.

In some examples, the combustion chamber 106 does not include areceptacle, such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 19. In some examples, thesmoking product 99 may be positioned within the main body's combustionchamber 1006, 1206 without contacting or minimizing contact to the outerlayer 104.

In some examples, the main body 102 may be formed using a colored and/oropaque silicone rubber, which may help to mask the effects of the heatdamage and contaminants. The position of the outer layer 104 withrespect to the main body 102, such that in some examples it terminatesat a distance away from the apertures 126, 128 formed on the main body102, may help to shield the outer layer 104 and prevent the heat ordamaging smoke from contacting the outer layer 104 while providing adurable outer layer or covering for the smoking apparatus. In someexamples, the additional oxidation protection of the outer layer 104 mayalso provide a user a way to view a visually interesting main body 102,formed of a material that may more easily hide or mask any discolorationor damage from use.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a smoking apparatus 1300 inaccordance with an example, with FIG. 23 a cross-sectional view of theapparatus 1300 of FIG. 23. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional schematic viewof a smoking apparatus 1600 in accordance with an example.

The smoking apparatus 1300, 1600 includes features that may be similarto those of the smoking apparatus 100, for example the main body 1302,1602 and the outer layer 1304, 1604. As shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 22-24, the outer layer 1304, 1604 may be a layer that at leastpartially covers various portions or segments of the main body 1302,1602 and as shown here, may encapsulate various portions or segments, orsubstantially the entirety, of the main body 1302, 1602. In someexamples, the main body 1302, 1602 may be exposed through the outerlayer 1304, 1604, such as at or near the proximal end 1301, 1601 wherethe receptacle may be positioned, or at the mouthpiece 1310, 1610 atterminal end 1303, 1603. For example, the mouthpiece 1310, 1610 includesan exposed portion 1399, 1699 of the main body 1302, 1602 formed aroundaperture 1326, 1626

In some examples, each portion of the main body 1302, 1602 not coveredby the outer layer 1304, 1604 defines an exposed portion with an exposedsurface. The outer layer 1304, 1604 adjacent the exposed surfacesdefines an edge that at least in part defines the shape and/or extent ofthe exposed portion. For example, in FIG. 24 the edges 1655, 1657 aregenerally flush with exposed portion 1659 of the main body 1602. Theexposed portion 1659 of the main body 1602 may protrude to be flush withthe outer surface 1681 of the outer layer 1604. The sidewalls of theexposed portion 1659 may be normal to the surface of the outer layer, orbe angled towards or away from each other to create different shapedexposed portions having desired sidewall profiles.

In some examples, the main body 1302, 1602 protrudes through and pastthe outer surface of the outer layer 1304, 1604, such as at post 1305,1605. In some examples, the post 1305 may have an aperture 1323 formedat or near a free end 1321. The aperture may receive a key ring 1325,lanyard string, chain, charm or the like. In FIG. 23, the outer layer1304 may surround and contact the post 1305 at sidewalls 1371, 1375. Thesidewalls 1371, 1375 formed by the outer surface of the outer layer 1604engage around at least a portion, such as base 1396 of protrusion 1305as it extends past the outer surface 1381 of the outer layer 1304.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 24, the sidewalls 1671, 1675 may bespaced away from the base 1696 of the protrusion 1605, thereby forming agap 1669 extending from the outer surface 1681 of the outer layer 1604to the outer surface 1683 of the main body 1602. The gap may extend atleast partially around the base 1696, or may extend entirely around thebase 1696 to form an annular gap, such as gap 1669. As shown in FIG. 24,near the proximal end 1601, the outer layer 1604 forms sidewall 1671.The gap 1669 is formed by sidewall 1671 and outer surface 1683 of thebase 1696 of protrusion 1305.

In some examples, such as at recessed portion 1661 of FIG. 24, the mainbody 1602 may be recessed from the outer surface 1681 of the outer layer1604. For example, the outer layer 1604 may include exposed sidewalls1665, 1667 that are the thickness of the outer layer 1604. The sidewalls1665, 1667 extend down to the meet the outer surface 1683 of the mainbody 1602 at recessed portion 1661. The sidewalls 1665, 1667 form atleast a part of the periphery of the shape of the recessed portion 1661.In some examples, the sidewall may be substantially normal to the outersurface 1683 of the main body, such as forming a shoulder as sidewall1665. In some examples, the sidewall may be angled towards or away fromthe outer surface 1683 of the main body 1602, and such as sidewall 1667.The configuration of the sidewalls may create a texture, grip, or anaesthetic or decorative feature, etc.

In some examples, the main body 1302 is exposed at an area where theouter layer 1304 thickness decreases, becoming gradually thinner untilthe outer layer 1304 does not cover the main body 1302, such as region1351 of FIG. 23. For example, the edges 1365, 1367 of the outer layer1304 meet the main body 1302 and define at least a portion of the shapeof the exposed portion 1351 of main body in FIG. 23. Similarly, theportion 1651 of the main body of FIG. 24 is exposed. In some examples,the shape of the outer layer 1304, 1604 as it surrounds exposed portionsof the main body 1302, 1602 may include benefits such as creating a gripbetween the outer layer and main body. In some examples, the transitionbetween the outer layer and the main body at the exposed portions issmooth to help prevent snagging. In some examples, as edge of theexposed region or portion may have a gradual, angled slope, such as at1667. In some examples, the edge of the exposed portion may form ashoulder, such as at 1665.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, in some examples, the smoking apparatus1300 includes a clasp 1354 to adjustably or releasably hold a component,such as a tool 1353 that may be utilized when the smoking apparatus isused, or to help clean or protect the smoking apparatus when not in use.In some examples, as in FIG. 22, the clasp 1354 is U-shaped piece ofmetal or plastic defining a base 1327 and two opposing arms 1331. Thearms 1331 are spaced apart, but may be resiliently biased towards oneanother. Each arm may be outwardly curved so that the free end 1329 ofeach arm 1331 are closer together than a central portion 1333 of thearms. The clasp 1354 is positioned on the smoking apparatus 1300 andprovides a convenient way to releasably receive a tool 1353 for storage.The tool 1353, such as a tamper, is received in the clasp by positioninga portion of the tamper through the space between the arms, which causesthe arms to bias outwardly to allow the portion of the tamper to seatbetween the outwardly curved central portions 1333 of the arms 1331.

The clasp may be secured to the smoking apparatus in a number of ways,such as by being fastened directly to the main body. The clasp could beencapsulated in the main body as well. Alternatively, as shown in FIG.22, the base 1327 of the clasp, and in some examples, possibly a lowerportion of each of the arms 1331, are encapsulated in the outer layer1304.

In some examples, the clasp 1354 contacts the main body 1302. In someexamples, the clasp 1354 may be integrally formed with the main body1302 such that the resilient arm may be an extension of the main body.In some examples, the clasp 1354 is attached or coupled to the main body1302 by a fastener. In some examples, the clasp 1354 does not contactthe main body 1302 but is secured to the smoking apparatus by the outerlayer 1304 and held in position.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show a smoking apparatus 1400 in accordance with anexample. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the smoking apparatus 1400,and FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional along line 26-26 of FIG. 25. Thesmoking apparatus 1400 includes features that may be similar to those ofthe previously described smoking apparatuses, such as a main body 1402and an outer layer 1404. Smoking apparatus 1400 includes a proximal end1401, a terminal end 1403, and a receptacle 1408. The receptacle may beseparable or integrally formed with the smoking apparatus 1400. In thisexample, the smoking apparatus may include at least one electricalcomponent, such as a display, light, heating element, computing device,communication device, PCB, power source, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 25, the smoking apparatus 1400 includes a display 1456.The display may be an output device for the presentation orcommunication of visual information. For example, the display could bean electronic screen, light emitting diode (LED) or a combinationthereof. The display 1456 may be entirely encapsulated by the outerlayer 1404. In some examples, the display may be at least partiallyexposed through the outer surface 1481 of the outer layer 1404, as shownin FIG. 25. In some examples, the display 1456 may contact the main body1402, as shown in FIG. 25 or it may not contact the main body 1402. Inthe example of FIGS. 25 and 26, the display 1456 is positioned along thestem 1414 of the smoking apparatus 1400.

The smoking apparatus 1400 may include multiple displays, such as seconddisplay 1458. The second display 1458 may be entirely encapsulated bythe outer layer 1404, be at least partially exposed, or extend at leastpartially past the outer surface of the outer layer 1404 as shown inFIG. 26. In some examples, the display 1456 may be entirely encapsulatedby the outer layer 1404, be at least partially exposed, or extend atleast partially past the outer surface of the outer layer 1404. In someexamples, the display may be positioned at or near the proximal end1401, at or near the terminal end 1403, or positioned at a locationbetween the ends of the apparatus.

In some examples, one or both of the displays 1456, 1458 is an LEDfeature. The LED feature may include a plurality of lights forcommunicating, an accessory feature, or both. The LED feature may flashor blink in certain patterns based upon an operating status of thesmoking apparatus or its electrical subcomponents. The display mayinclude decorative features or patterns formed by the LED or by featuresseparate from the LED. The display may visually communicate informationabout the operating status of the apparatus or device. In some examples,the display(s) 1456, 1458 may be formed as part of a computing device.

The displays 1456, 1458 may be electrically coupled, for example viawires 1491, to a power source 1460. The power source 1460 may include abattery. The battery may be a permanent, replaceable, and/orrechargeable battery. The power source 1460 may be positioned to beexposed through the outer surface 1481 of the outer layer 1404, as shownin FIG. 26. In some examples, the position of the power source 1460allows for the connection of an external charging source. In someexamples, the power source may be positioned at a location where themain body 1402 is exposed through the outer layer, and the power sourceis exposed or accessible through the main body. In examples where thepower source is accessible, the power source may be a single use batterythat could be replaced by a user or the source may be a rechargeablebattery. In some examples, the power source may be charged from anexternal power source, via a wired or wireless charging system. As shownin FIGS. 25 and 26, the battery 1460 may be electrically coupled to anelectrical charging port 1480. An inlet to the electrical port may beaccessible through an outer surface 1481 of the smoking apparatus. Theelectrical port may include a configuration to allow for electricalcharging of the battery via a universal serial bus (USB), mini-USB,micro-USB, etc. or other type of charging port technology from anexternal power source.

In some examples, the user may input or upload information to or outputdata or download information from the apparatus. In some examples, thecharging port may be blocked or protected by a cover movable 1489 froman open position to a closed position. This may prevent debris fromentering the charging port.

As shown in FIG. 26, in some examples, the smoking apparatus may includea heating element 1482. The heating element 1482 may be positionedwithin a lower part of the combustion chamber 1406 to heat or combustsmoking product positioned in the receptacle. In examples where thesmoking apparatus does not include a separate receptacle (for example,see FIG. 5), the heating element may heat the combustion chamber andcombust the product within the combustion chamber. In some examples, theheating element may be operated by the input element 1466 or display1456, 1458. In some examples, the display may show information about thestatus or operation of the heating element. The heating element iselectrically coupled to the battery 1460 or line power. In someexamples, the smoking apparatus may include a temperature sensor 1474 tosense temperature information of the heating element 1482, recordtemperature information, and/or provide feedback through the system toregulate the temperature of the heating element or combustion chamber.The sensor may or may not be formed as part of the heating element. Insome examples, the sensor may monitor initial combustion and then turnoff.

Electrical wires 1491 may separately, or in combination, couple thedisplays 1456, 1458, heating element 1482, charging port 1480, sensor1474, and power source 1460. These components may be used individuallyand are not required to be used together. The wires may be positionedadjacent an outer surface 1481 of the outer layer 1404, be embeddedwithin or extend through the outer layer, be positioned adjacent to anouter surface of the main body 1402, contact or be attached to the mainbody, or be embedded within or extend through the main body, orcombinations thereof. In some examples, where the outer layer is atleast partially transparent, the wires connecting various electricalcomponents of the smoking apparatus may be visible.

FIG. 27 shows a simplified block diagram of the control system used insmoking apparatus in accordance with an example. In some examples, thesmoking apparatus 1400 includes a computing device 1470, which mayinclude one or more processing elements 1462, one or more memorycomponents 1472, a power source 1460, once or more displays 1456, 1458,one or more input/output (I/O) interfaces 1466, and one or more feedbackelements 1476. The computing device may also include other componentsgenerally found in computing systems, such as communication interfacesand one or more sensors, among others.

In some examples, the displays 1456, 1458 are electrically coupled to aprocessing element 1462, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC),and a memory device 1464 so that the displays may be controlled to sendand/or receive information regarding the status and/or operation of thesmoking apparatus. The memory device may store programming informationregarding the displays or operation instructions or performance historyof the apparatus.

In some examples, the displays include an I/O interface 1466, such as aninput element, which may be coupled to send information to theprocessing element and control certain aspects of the smoking apparatus1400. For example, the displays could include a touch screen inputelement. In these examples, a portion of the display may be exposedoutside of the outer layer and main body. In some examples, the inputelement 1466 is separate from the display, such as a button in FIG. 26,such that the display 1456 may be encapsulated but the button 1466 isexposed. In some examples, the button is encapsulated by the outer layerbut may still be operable via a physical touch, such as if a usersqueezes or applies force to the button to engage it.

In some examples, the I/O interface may include a communicationinterface (such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energychips, or the like) and communication components (such as a universalserial bus (USB), mini-USB, and micro-USB ports/cables). Thecommunication interface may be operable to communicate, wired orwirelessly, with other external computing devices, such as a smartphone,tablet, service, or web-based cloud service.

In some examples, the charging port 1480 is also electrically coupled tothe computing device 1470 of the smoking apparatus. This may allow auser to input or output information about the performance of the smokingapparatus or to control aspects of the smoking apparatus. For example,the user may be able to update various electrical configurations of thecomputing device by transferring software updates from an externalsource, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop coupled to the smokingapparatus via a cord connected to the charging port or wirelessly via aBluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. The user may also be able to downloadinformation, such as use time and performance, via the charging port.

FIG. 28 shows a cross-sectional schematic view a smoking apparatus 1500in accordance with an example. In some examples, the smoking apparatus1500 may be similar to previously described smoking apparatus, such assmoking apparatus 1400. The smoking apparatus 1500 may include a mainbody 1502, outer layer 1504, a display 1556, a power source 1560, and acharging power 1580. In the example of FIG. 28, the display 1556 ispositioned to at least partially extend past the outer surface of theouter layer 1504, and the power source 1560 is encased in the outerlayer 1504 and main body 1502. Wires 1591 may connect the display 1556,power source 1560, and charging port 1580. In this example, the powersource 1560 is a non-replaceable battery that may be charged via anexternal power source, such as via a power supplied via the chargingport 1580 or wirelessly via an inductive charger 1582. The inductivecharger 1582 may be Bluetooth configured to send to or receiveinformation from the smoking apparatus.

Although the present invention has been described with a certain degreeof particularity, it is understood the disclosure has been made by wayof example, and changes in detail or structure may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A smoking apparatus comprising: a main body of afirst material including a combustion chamber fluidly coupled to anaperture of a mouthpiece, the main body having an outer shape; an outerlayer of a second material at least partially surrounding the main body,the second material having a deformable property; wherein the outerlayer is non-separable from the main body.
 2. The smoking apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: a receptacle positioned at least partiallywithin the combustion chamber, and wherein the receptacle shields theouter layer from contact with combustibles positioned within thereceptacle.
 3. The smoking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main bodyhas a sidewall thickness around the aperture such that the main bodyforms a rim around a periphery of the aperture and the outer layer isspaced away from the aperture around the periphery of the aperture atthe rim by the sidewall thickness.
 4. The smoking apparatus of claim 1,wherein at least one decorative feature is positioned on an outersurface of the main body, wherein the outer layer encapsulates the atleast one decorative feature, and wherein at least a portion of theouter layer contacts the main body adjacent to the decorative feature.5. The smoking apparatus of claim 4, wherein the decorative feature iscontained in the outer layer.
 6. The smoking apparatus of claim 1,wherein an outer surface of the outer layer has a shape that includesrelief features that replicate surface features of the main body.
 7. Thesmoking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is secured to themain body by overmolding and forms a single part with the main body. 8.The smoking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first material has anelastically deformable property.
 9. A smoking apparatus comprising: amain body with an outer surface and fluid pathway extending through themain body, the main body having an outer shape; an outer layer at leastpartially covering at least a part of the outer surface of the mainbody; and wherein the main body and the outer layer are joined togetherto form a single part.
 10. The smoking apparatus of claim 9, wherein themain body is formed of a material having an elastically deformableproperty.
 11. The smoking apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: areceptacle assembled to the main body and outer layer.
 12. The smokingapparatus of claim 9, wherein an outer shape of the outer layer issubstantially dissimilar to the outer shape of the main body.
 13. Thesmoking apparatus of claim 9, wherein the main body further comprises atleast one decorative feature defined on the outer surface of the mainbody, wherein the outer layer encapsulates the decorative feature, andwherein at least a portion of the outer layer contacts the main bodyadjacent to the decorative feature.
 14. The smoking apparatus of claim9, wherein a power source is configured to supply power to an electricalcomponent positioned within the main body or outer layer.
 15. Thesmoking apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a power sourceconfigured to supply power to an electrical component, wherein theelectrical component is configured to ignite a combustible material, andwherein the outer layer is at least partially molded about at least apart of the outer surface of the main body.
 16. A smoking apparatuscomprising: a main body of a first moldable material having a deformableproperty, and including a combustion chamber fluidly coupled to anaperture of a mouthpiece, the main body having an outer shape; an outerlayer of a second material at least partially surrounding the main body,the second material having a deformable property; wherein the outerlayer is non-separable from the main body.
 17. The smoking apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein at least one decorative feature is positioned on anouter surface of the main body, wherein the outer layer encapsulates theat least one decorative feature, and wherein at least a portion of theouter layer contacts the main body adjacent to the decorative feature.18. The smoking apparatus of claim 16, wherein an outer surface of theouter layer has a shape that includes relief features that replicatesurface features of the main body.
 19. The smoking apparatus of claim16, wherein an outer surface of the outer layer has a shape which issubstantially dissimilar to the outer shape of the main body.
 20. Thesmoking apparatus of claim 16, wherein a power source is configured tosupply power to an electrical component positioned within the main bodyor outer layer.